Taking Vitamins to Prevent Kids' Colds

Eating a varied, well-balanced diet is the best way to help kids' bodies fight off colds. There are many different responses that occur when the body is challenged with a virus: enzyme reactions, antibody production, cell movement and cell repair, to name just a few. All of these processes require vitamins, minerals, proteins and energy as fuel. Having a well-balanced, varied diet will ensure that there is plenty of "nutrient power" to fight off infection.

If your kid is truly a great eater—eats an adequate amount of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and protein every day—he probably will not benefit much from your typical multivitamin. However, only about 20 percent of children get the recommended requirements of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. So, in most cases, it is a good idea to give your kid a multivitamin, whether or not he's fighting a cold. Look for one that is designed specifically for children. Avoid vitamin preparations that contain "super" amounts of any particular vitamin or mineral. Your pediatrician can prescribe or recommend a multivitamin for your child.